Will Preparation in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Most of the issues that can pop up with wills in Atlantic City, New Jersey, like challenges to the will's validity, can be avoided if the will is well-drafted in the first place.

The procedure of drafting and executing a will can be very simple with the average estate which has only a moderate amount of assets held in only a few locations (a couple bank accounts, a house, maybe a stock portfolio). This is also true if the decedent simply wants to give their property to a few immediate family members, without setting up a complicated trust arrangement.

But even if the will is comparatively simple, some preventable problems can derail the process. An accomplished lawyer in Atlantic City, New Jersey who specializes in wills and estate planning can help make sure that this doesn't happen to your will.

With most wills, certain formalities have to be followed in the drafting process or will preparation, or else the will might not be legitimate. In general, these formalities exist with the goal of making fraud more challenging. The requirements for a will to be valid are pretty simple, but it's still possible to make mistakes in attempting to follow them. Most especially, you should know that a will must contain a provision stating that the person making it is of sound mind, and really intends the document to be a will. Furthermore, the laws of most states require that wills be witnessed and signed by at least 2 neutral parties.

Holographic Wills in Atlantic City, New Jersey

In some states, "holographic wills" are legitimate. A holographic will is written by hand, in the testator's own handwriting. Such will do not need to have any witnesses to be valid.

If holographic wills are valid in your state, courts will, as with any will, have to figure out what is really being said, and resolve ambiguities. Because holographic wills are not always written under ideal conditions, they have to be interpreted very liberally, so they can be given effect and not fail for technical reasons.

You should know that not all states recognize holographic wills. Of course, you could still handwrite your will if you desire; but to be legitimate, it would have to be accompanied by all of the formalities (witnesses being the big one) of any other will.

If your estate is fairly small, and the devises you wish to make aren't very complicated, a holographic will can be a good option if they're valid in your state. Of course, it's never a bad idea to make a will with the assistance of a lawyer.

How Can A Atlantic City, New Jersey Lawyer Help?

Because of the formalities required in drafting wills, it's never a bad idea to have a seasoned Atlantic City, New Jersey attorney help in making your will. Even if your will is quite simple, and you have all the formalities figured out, it's still easy to make mistakes without a good once-over by a professional.

Mr. B. is a terrific lawyer and I am extremely happy with his work. What I liked most about him was his timely responses. I highly recommend Mr. B..

CLIENT REVIEWS

Brad M.

Sussex, NJ

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Rating
(10 users)

Overall

Responded in a timely manner

Answered questions clearly

Understood needs

Gave complete and clear information

Knowledgeable in legal area

Good value for money

Would hire again

100%

Would recommend to friend

100%

by Daniel G. , 08/29/2014

by Brian C. , 07/13/2014

Brad has helped me through four post-divorce motions over the last couple of years. He was a pleasure to work with and his staff is top notch. He treated me with respect and showed a personal interest in my needs and my case. Responses to my questions were always met with speedy and helpful responses. He did everything possible to get positive results and an outcome that was fair. Although the court can be unpredictable in their rulings, I feel I had positive outcomes in all of my motions thanks to Brad. I would recommend Brad for anyone going through divorce or post-divorce issues.

by Roberto R. , 07/11/2014

Mr. M. Knows his stuff and make sure you understand the pros and cons of the decision you make

by Mary Katherine F. , 02/19/2011

good

by Iris T. , 08/05/2009

Brad has not only provided me with legal advice and services but emotional support as well. He is professional and very sensitive to his client's needs. I am more than satisfied by his services. He knows how to listen and put my insecurities/fears away. I highly recommend him...he is the whole package!

by David P. , 08/04/2009

Brad and his team were excellent. He clearly understood my situation, developed a strategy and delivered everything as planned. His office was always responsive and professional. I would certainly recommend him. Brad was the only attorney I spoke to that had a vision and predicted with exacting detail, every move that the other side was going to make. This put me on the offensive for the first time. I was completely satisfied. 100%

by Mary G. , 07/31/2009

This has been the best experience I have ever have. I would recommend Brad M. to anyone that would need an experienced wonderful caring attorney for family law.

by Gregory V. , 07/11/2014

by Sheeba S. , 12/25/2009

In the middle of all my turmoil i'm grateful the for the sensible guidance given to me by Brad M. M..He is an excellent listener, who calmly gave suggestions to my confused situation.I would surely reccomend him to anybody,especially to those who are sceptical of lawyers.He was more interested in finding a solution to my problem than asking for a fee.He is THE BEST. sheba, NJ

by Lisa Marie J. , 07/31/2009

Brad is very patient and knowledgeable. I felt he was genuinely pursuing and protecting my best interests.

CLIENT REVIEWS

David L.

Ashland, OH

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Rating
(5 users)

Overall

Responded in a timely manner

Answered questions clearly

Understood needs

Gave complete and clear information

Knowledgeable in legal area

Good value for money

Would hire again

100%

Would recommend to friend

100%

by Julie W. , 11/07/2015

David L. helped with our will and estate planning. He did a great job. Everything was done on time and went according to plan.

by Nichole B. , 06/01/2015

He was very helpful. The best I have talked to.

by Kris S. , 05/04/2015

David was always frank and helpful. He was up front about costs and the prospects about the outcome. He worked hard to control the costs in my case while providing first class service that included some evening and weekend communication. He helped me understand the law as it related to my case and managed all of the dealings with the courts and the clerks.

by Tom P. , 12/12/2014

I am already recommending David L. to my family members and friends. He provided my wife and I with all that we hoped for in successfully planning our estate documents.